Protests erupt after ex-policeman found not guilty in black man’s shooting death

Protesters took to the streets of downtown St. Louis on Friday after a judge found former police officer Jason Stockley not guilty of first degree murder in the 2011 shooting death of black motorist Anthony Lamar Smith, CNN reported.

At least 23 people were arrested by St. Louis police as protesters and activists gathered outside the courthouse and marched through the downtown area.

After the verdict, protesters and activists gathered outside the courthouse and marched through the city's downtown for hours. Some could be seen locking arms and praying together, while others held signs, chanting, "No justice, no peace."

About 1,000 protesters surrounded the home of St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. The protesters broke at least two windows and threw red paint at mayor’s brick house before police in riot gear moved in to break it up.

Four police officers were assaulted, with one treated for a hand injury, CNN reported.

Video footage showed officers using tear gas to disperse the crowds after police said the protests were considered an unlawful assembly.